Today, 1st August, 2013, it was announced that ECPAT International has been selected to receive the 2013 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of $1.5 million (US dollars). This is the 18th year for the Hilton Prize given by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to an organisation that is significantly alleviating human suffering. The announcement was made in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at ECPAT’s Consultation: Action to Stop the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Africa.
Along with members of the media, ECPAT network member organisations and leading child-rights experts from across Africa, Europe and the USA were on hand to hear the announcement. Hilton Prize juror Strive Masiyiwa, a leading African entrepreneur and humanitarian whose foundation supports vulnerable children throughout the continent, noted, “Those of us on the jury were impressed by ECPAT’s leadership in addressing the explosion of child sexual exploitation and forging a worldwide coalition of NGOs, UN agencies, private sector and law enforcement entities to put a stop to these vile activities.”
ECPAT International was one of over 200 organisations being considered for the award. “ECPAT is deeply honored to be selected to receive the prestigious Hilton Humanitarian Prize by its distinguished jury,” said Dorothy Rozga, Executive Director of ECPAT International. “Over the last 20 years the name ECPAT has become synonymous with action to stop the commercial sexual exploitation of children.” Read the official press release here.